"The Department of Energy (DOE) announces its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the disposal of Greater-Than-Class-C low-level radioactive waste (GTCC LLW)."

1. Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Notices 40135
frequent performance reports under 34 Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., LLW is defined by the Nuclear
CFR 75.720(c). For specific room 6027, PCP, Washington, DC 20202. Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 10
requirements on reporting, please go to Telephone: (202) 245–7338 or by e-mail: CFR 72.3 as ‘‘low-level radioactive
http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/ lynn.medley@ed.gov. waste that exceeds the concentration
appforms/appforms.html. If you use a TDD, call the Federal limits of radionuclides established for
Note: NIDRR will provide information by Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800– Class C waste in [10 CFR 61.55].’’ GTCC
letter to grantees on how and when to submit 877–8339. LLW is generated by NRC or Agreement
the report. VIII. Other Information State-licensed activities (hereafter
referred to as NRC-licensed activities).
4. Performance Measures: To evaluate Alternative Format: Individuals with DOE proposes to evaluate alternatives
the overall success of its research disabilities can obtain this document for GTCC LLW disposal: in a geologic
program, NIDRR assesses the quality of and a copy of the application package in repository; in intermediate depth
its funded projects through review of an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large boreholes; and in enhanced near surface
grantee performance and products. Each print, audiotape, or computer diskette) facilities. Candidate locations for these
year, NIDRR examines, through expert by contacting the Grants and Contracts disposal facilities would be: the Idaho
review, a portion of its grantees to Services Team, U.S. Department of National Laboratory (INL) in Idaho; the
determine: Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
The percentage of newly awarded room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC and Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)
NIDRR projects that are conducting at 20202–2550. Telephone: (202) 245– in New Mexico; the Nevada Test Site
least one multi-site, collaborative, 7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll (NTS) and the proposed Yucca
controlled trial. free, at 1–800–877–8339.
The number of accomplishments (e.g., Mountain repository in Nevada; the
Electronic Access to This Document: Savannah River Site (SRS) in South
new or improved tools, methods, You may view this document, as well as
discoveries, standards, interventions, Carolina; the Oak Ridge Reservation
all other documents of this Department (ORR) in Tennessee; and the Hanford
programs, or devices) developed or published in the Federal Register, in
tested with NIDRR funding that have Site (Hanford) in Washington. DOE will
text or Adobe Portable Document also evaluate disposal at generic
been judged by expert panels to be of Format (PDF) on the Internet at the
high quality and to advance the field. commercial facilities in arid and humid
following site: www.ed.gov/news/ locations.
The percentage of grantee research fedregister.
and development that has appropriate In addition, DOE proposes to include
To use PDF you must have Adobe DOE LLW and transuranic waste having
study design, meets rigorous standards Acrobat Reader, which is available free
of scientific and/or engineering characteristics similar to GTCC LLW
at this site. If you have questions about and which may not have an identified
methods, and builds on, and contributes using PDF, call the U.S. Government
to, knowledge in the field. path to disposal (hereafter referred to as
Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1– GTCC-like waste) in the scope of this
The average number of publications 888–293–6498; or in the Washington,
per award based on NIDRR-funded EIS. DOE’s GTCC-like waste is owned or
DC, area at (202) 512–1530. generated by DOE. The use of the term
research and development activities in Note: The official version of this document
refereed journals. ‘‘GTCC-like’’ does not have the intent or
is the document published in the Federal effect of creating a new classification of
The percentage of new grants that Register. Free Internet access to the official
include studies funded by NIDRR that radioactive waste.
edition of the Federal Register and the Code
assess the effectiveness of interventions, of Federal Regulations is available on GPO DOE invites public comment on the
programs, and devices using rigorous Access at: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/ scope of this EIS during a 60-day public
and appropriate methods. index.html. scoping period. During this period, DOE
NIDRR uses information submitted by will hold public scoping meetings to
Dated: July 18, 2007. provide the public with an opportunity
grantees as part of their Annual
John H. Hager, to comment on the scope of the EIS and
Performance Reports (APRs) for these
reviews. Assistant Secretary for Special Education and to learn more about the proposed action
Rehabilitative Services. from DOE officials.
The Department’s program
performance reports, which include [FR Doc. E7–14180 Filed 7–20–07; 8:45 am] DOE issued an Advance Notice of
information on NIDRR programs, are BILLING CODE 4000–01–P Intent (ANOI), 70 FR 24775 (May 11,
available on the Department’s Web site: 2005), inviting the public to provide
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/opepd/ preliminary comments on the potential
sas/index.html. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY scope of the EIS. This Notice of Intent
Updates on the Government (NOI) includes a summary of the public
Performance and Results Act of 1993 Notice of Intent To Prepare an comments received on the ANOI.
(GPRA) indicators, revisions, and Environmental Impact Statement for DATES: The public scoping period starts
methods appear on the NIDRR Program the Disposal of Greater-Than-Class-C with the date of publication of this NOI
Review Web site: www.cessi.net/ Low-Level Radioactive Waste in the Federal Register and will
contracts/pm/doe_nidrr_tsam.html. AGENCY:Department of Energy. continue until September 21, 2007. DOE
Grantees should consult these sites, ACTION:Notice of Intent To Prepare an will consider all comments received or
on a regular basis, to obtain details and Environmental Impact Statement. postmarked by September 21, 2007 in
explanations on how NIDRR programs defining the scope of this EIS.
contribute to the advancement of the SUMMARY: The Department of Energy Comments received or postmarked after
Department’s long-term and annual (DOE) announces its intent to prepare that date will be considered to the
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
performance goals. an environmental impact statement extent practicable.
(EIS) under the National Environmental Public scoping meetings will be held
VII. Agency Contact Policy Act (NEPA) for the disposal of to provide the public with an
For Further Information Contact: Greater-Than-Class-C low-level opportunity to present comments on the
Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of radioactive waste (GTCC LLW). GTCC scope of the EIS and to learn more about
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2. 40136 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Notices
the proposed action from DOE officials. GTCC-like waste (the use of the term for safe disposal of GTCC LLW; submit
The locations, dates, and times for the ‘‘GTCC-like’’ does not have the intent or a report to Congress containing an
public scoping meetings are listed in the effect of creating a new classification of estimate of the cost and schedule to
‘‘Public Scoping’’ section under radioactive waste). DOE proposes to complete an EIS and record of decision
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. evaluate alternatives for the disposal of (ROD) for a permanent disposal facility
ADDRESSES: Written comments on the both GTCC LLW and DOE GTCC-like for GTCC LLW; and prior to making a
scope of the GTCC LLW EIS or requests waste in this EIS. final decision on the disposal
to speak at one of the public scoping Section 3(b)(1)(D) of the Low-Level alternative or alternatives to be
meetings should be sent to: James L. Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments implemented, submit to Congress a
Joyce, Document Manager, Office of Act of 1985 (LLRWPAA) assigns the report that describes all alternatives
Regulatory Compliance (EM–10), U.S. responsibility for the disposal of GTCC considered in the EIS. In meeting these
Department of Energy, 1000 LLW to the Federal Government. The requirements thus far, DOE has named
Independence Avenue, SW., LLRWPAA specifies that the GTCC LLW the Office of Environmental
Washington, DC 20585–0119. covered under Section 3(b)(1)(D) is to be Management as the lead organization
Telephone: (301) 903–2151. Fax: 301– disposed of in a facility licensed and having responsibility to develop GTCC
903–4303. E-mail: gtcceis@anl.gov. determined to be adequate by the NRC. LLW disposal capability and has
Written comments on the scope of the DOE is the federal agency responsible submitted a report to Congress dated
GTCC LLW EIS and requests to speak at for the disposal of GTCC LLW. This July 2006 on the estimated cost and
one of the public scoping meetings can responsibility was described in a 1987 proposed schedule to complete the EIS.
also be submitted through the Web site report to Congress, Recommendations
for Management of Greater-Than-Class- Types and Estimated Quantities of
at http://www.gtcceis.anl.gov. GTCC LLW and DOE GTCC-like Waste
C Low-Level Waste (DOE/NE–0077),
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To
U.S. Department of Energy, February GTCC LLW may generally be
request further information about the categorized into the following three
1987. The report can be obtained by
EIS, the public scoping meetings, or to types: sealed sources, activated metals,
contacting the Document Manager listed
be placed on the EIS distribution list, and other miscellaneous waste (e.g.,
under ADDRESSES above or from the Web
use any of the methods (fax, telephone, contaminated equipment). Sealed
site at http://www.gtcceis.anl.gov.
e-mail, or Web site) listed under The September 11, 2001, attacks and sources are typically small, high-activity
ADDRESSES above. For general subsequent threats have heightened radioactive materials encapsulated in
information concerning the DOE NEPA concerns that terrorists could gain closed metal containers. They are used
process, contact: Carol Borgstrom, possession of radiological sealed for a variety of purposes including
Director, Office of NEPA Policy and sources, including GTCC LLW sealed irradiating food and medical products
Compliance (GC–20), U.S. Department sources, and use them for malevolent for sterilization, detecting flaws and
of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, purposes. Since 2003, the Government failures in pipelines and metal welds,
SW., Washington, DC 20585–0119. Accountability Office (GAO) has issued calculating moisture content in soil and
Telephone: 202–586–4600, or leave a three reports on matters related to the other materials, and assisting in the
message at 1–800–472–2756. security of uncontrolled sealed sources, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.
Fax: 202–586–7031. including the Department’s progress in Activated metal wastes are primarily
This NOI will be available on the generated in nuclear reactors during
developing a GTCC LLW disposal
internet at http://www.eh.doe.gov/nepa. facility modifications and
facility.1 In addition, the Energy Policy
Additional information on the GTCC decommissioning. There are 104
Act of 2005 contains several provisions
LLW EIS can be found at http:// operating commercial reactors in the
(e.g., sections 631, 651, and 957)
www.gtcceis.anl.gov. United States and an additional 18 that
directed at improving the control of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: sealed sources, including disposal have been closed or decommissioned.
availability. The activated metals consist of internal
Background
Because of its technical expertise in nuclear components that have become
GTCC LLW is defined by NRC in 10 radiation protection, the U.S. radioactive from neutron absorption.
CFR 72.3 as ‘‘low-level radioactive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) These components include portions of
waste that exceeds the concentration will participate as a cooperating agency the reactor vessel and other stainless
limits of radionuclides established for in the preparation of this EIS. NRC will steel components near the fuel
Class C waste in 10 CFR 61.55.’’ In 10 be a commenting agency. assemblies.
CFR 61.55, the NRC defines classes of Other miscellaneous waste includes
LLW as A, B and C by the concentration Energy Policy Act of 2005 Reporting all GTCC LLW that is not activated
of specific short- and long-lived Requirements metals or sealed sources. This waste
radionuclides, with Class C LLW having Section 631 of the Energy Policy Act includes contaminated equipment,
the highest radionuclide concentration of 2005 requires the Secretary of Energy debris, trash, scrap metal and
limits. Consistent with NRC’s and DOE’s to: provide Congress with notification of decontamination and decommissioning
authorities under the Atomic Energy Act the DOE office with responsibility for waste from miscellaneous industrial
of 1954 (as amended), the NRC LLW completing activities needed to provide activities, such as the manufacture of
radioactive waste classification system sealed sources and laboratory research.
does not apply to radioactive wastes 1 These GAO reports are entitled Nuclear DOE GTCC-like waste includes some
generated or owned by DOE and Security: Federal and State Action Needed to sealed sources owned or generated by
Improve Security of Sealed Radiological Sources,
disposed of at DOE facilities. However, GAO–03804 (August 6, 2004); Nuclear
DOE activities; activated metals
DOE owns and generates LLW and including reflector materials from
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Nonproliferation: DOE Action Needed to Ensure
transuranic radioactive waste with Continued Recovery of Unwanted Radioactive research reactors as well as other
characteristics similar to GTCC LLW Sources, GAO–03–438 (April 15, 2003); and miscellaneous waste owned by DOE or
Nuclear Security: DOE Needs Better Information to
and that may not have a path to Guide Its Expanded Recovery of Sealed Sources,
generated by DOE activities that has
disposal. For the purposes of this EIS, GAO–05–967 (September 2005). These reports can characteristics similar to GTCC LLW
DOE is referring to this DOE waste as be found at http://www.gao.gov/. and may not have a path to disposal.
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3. Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Notices 40137
Most of the DOE GTCC-like waste cubic meters of GTCC-like waste. A report entitled Greater-Than-Class C
consists of transuranic waste 2 (a DOE small percentage of this waste is mixed Low-Level Radioactive Waste
waste category) that may have waste (i.e., radioactive waste that Characterization: Estimated Volumes,
originated from non-defense activities contains a hazardous component subject Radionuclides, Activities, and Other
and therefore may not be authorized for to the Resource Conservation and Characteristics, DOE/LLW–114,
disposal at WIPP under the Waste Recovery Act). Table 1 shows estimated Revision 1 (Sept. 1994), which served as
Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal quantities of GTCC LLW and GTCC-like the basis for inventories in the ANOI.
Act of 1992 and has no other currently waste that DOE proposes to analyze and Copies of both reports are available by
identified path to disposal. is based on the report entitled Greater- contacting the Document Manager listed
DOE estimates a total inventory Than-Class C Low-Level Radioactive
under ADDRESSES above or at http://
(existing and projected to be generated) Waste Inventory Estimates, (DOE, July
www.gtcceis.anl.gov.
of approximately 2,600 cubic meters of 2007). This report updates the 1993
GTCC LLW and approximately 3,000 inventory estimates contained in the
TABLE 1.—INVENTORY SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF GTCC LLW AND DOE GTCC-LIKE WASTE a
Total stored and projected
Volume in
Waste type In storage Projected Activityb Activity b
cubic me- Volume m3
ters MCi MCi
(m3)
GTCC LLW:
Activated metal ......................................................... 58 3.5 810 110 870 110
Sealed sources ......................................................... (c) (c) 1,700 2.4 1,700 2.4
Other d ....................................................................... 76 0.0076 1.0 0.00023 77 0.0078
Total GTCC LLW ............................................... 130 3.5 2,500 110 2,600 110
DOE GTCC-like waste:
Activated metal ......................................................... 5.0 0.11 29 0.82 34 0.93
Sealed sources ......................................................... 8.7 0.013 25 0.030 34 0.043
Other d ....................................................................... 860 11 2,000 19 2,900 30
Total DOE GTCC-like waste ............................. 870 11 2,100 20 3,000 31
Total GTCC and GTCC-like waste ............ 1,000 15 4,600 130 5,600 140
a Values have been rounded to two significant figures.
b Radioactivity values are in millions of curies (MCi).
c There are sealed sources currently possessed by NRC licensees that may become GTCC LLW when no longer needed by the licensee. The
estimated volume and activity of those sources are included in the projected inventory, notwithstanding the lack of information on the current sta-
tus of the sources (e.g., in use, waste, etc.).
d Other GTCC LLW and DOE GTCC-like waste includes contaminated equipment, debris, trash, scrap metal and decontamination and decom-
missioning waste.
Purpose and Need for Action at the end of each facility’s operational CFR 61.55(a)(2)(iv). Although NRC
As shown in Table 1, NRC and life. Based on the EIS analysis, DOE regulations state that GTCC LLW is
Agreement State licensees have expects to make a decision on the generally not acceptable for near
generated and continue to generate method(s) and location(s) for disposing surface-disposal, the NRC recognizes in
GTCC LLW for which there is no of GTCC LLW and DOE GTCC-like 10 CFR 61.7(b)(5) that ‘‘there may be
permitted disposal facility. DOE is waste. A combination of disposal some instances where waste with
responsible for the safe and secure methods and locations may be concentrations greater than permitted
disposal of GTCC LLW covered under appropriate based on the characteristics for Class C waste would be acceptable
Section 3(b)(1)(D) of the LLRWPAA, of the waste and other factors. for near-surface disposal with special
including determining how and where processing or design.’’ Therefore, the
Alternatives Proposed for Evaluation
to dispose of these wastes. In addition, disposal methods DOE proposes to
DOE owns or generates certain LLW and The GTCC EIS will evaluate the range evaluate in the EIS include deep
transuranic wastes with characteristics of reasonable alternatives for the geologic repository disposal,
similar to GTCC LLW that also may not disposal of GTCC LLW and GTCC-like intermediate depth borehole disposal,
have an identified path to disposal. waste, together with a no action and enhanced near-surface disposal.
alternative. The NRC regulations at 10 For deep geologic disposal, DOE
Proposed Action CFR 61.55(a)(2)(iv) define GTCC LLW as intends to analyze disposal at Yucca
DOE proposes to construct and that waste which would require Mountain in Nevada, a proposed
operate a new facility or facilities, or use disposal in a geologic repository as geologic repository to be licensed under
an existing facility, for the disposal of defined in 10 CFR Part 60 or 63, unless 10 CFR Part 63. DOE will also evaluate
GTCC LLW and GTCC-like waste. DOE proposals for an alternative method of deep geologic repository disposal at
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
would then close the facility or facilities disposal are approved by NRC under 10 WIPP in New Mexico. Identification of
2 Transuranic waste is radioactive waste High-level waste; (2) waste that the Secretary of regulations; or (3) waste that the NRC has approved
containing more than 100 nanocuries of alpha- Energy has determined, with the concurrence of the for disposal on a case-by-case basis in accordance
emitting transuranic isotopes per gram of waste, Administrator of EPA, does not need the degree of with 10 CFR Part 61. PAGE
with half-lives greater than 20 years, except for: (1) isolation required by the 40 CFR Part 191 disposal
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4. 40138 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Notices
the proposed Yucca Mountain into account the characteristics of the below in the process of considering the
repository for analysis in the EIS is waste types and other considerations potential impacts of the proposed
based on the 10 CFR 61.55 regulations, (e.g., waste volumes, physical and disposal alternatives.
which identify disposal in a geologic radiological characteristics, and • Potential impacts on air, noise,
repository licensed under 10 CFR Part generation rates). For example, GTCC surface water and groundwater.
60 or 63 as an acceptable method for the LLW containing transuranic • Potential impacts from the
disposal of GTCC LLW. Identification of radionuclides with longer half-lives may shipment of GTCC LLW and GTCC-like
WIPP is based on its characteristics as require greater isolation or other special waste to the disposal site(s).
a geologic repository, although not measures to protect against potential • Potential impacts from postulated
subject to NRC licensing as a geologic inadvertent human intrusion, whereas accidents.
repository under 10 CFR Parts 60 or 63. GTCC LLW containing radionuclides • Potential impacts on human health,
DOE does not plan to evaluate an with shorter half-lives may require less including impacts to involved and non-
additional deep geologic repository extensive measures. DOE will also involved site workers and members of
facility because siting of another deep consider volumes and time periods the public.
geologic repository facility for GTCC when wastes would be generated and • Potential impacts to historical and
LLW and GTCC-like waste is require disposal. cultural artifacts or sites of historical
impractical due to the cost, time, and In the GTCC LLW EIS, DOE will and cultural significance.
the relatively small volume of GTCC describe the statutory and regulatory • Potential disproportionately high
LLW and GTCC-like waste. requirements for each disposal and adverse effects on low income and
DOE also intends to evaluate disposal alternative and whether legislation or minority populations (environmental
of GTCC LLW and GTCC-like waste in regulatory modifications may be needed justice).
a new intermediate depth borehole to implement the alternative under • Potential Native American
facility and enhanced-near surface consideration. In summary, DOE concerns.
facility at existing DOE sites and generic proposes to evaluate the alternatives • Short-term and long-term land use
commercial locations. The DOE sites listed below: impacts.
considered for analysis include INL in Alternative 1: No Action—under this • Long-term site suitability, including
Idaho, LANL in New Mexico, WIPP alternative, current and future GTCC erosion and seismicity.
vicinity (either within the WIPP Land LLW and GTCC-like waste would be • Potential impacts to endangered
Withdrawal perimeter that is under the stored at designated locations consistent species.
jurisdiction of DOE, or on government with ongoing practices, such as storage • Intentional destructive acts.
property in the vicinity of WIPP), NTS of GTCC LLW activated metals at • Compliance with applicable federal,
in Nevada, SRS in South Carolina, ORR nuclear utilities; state, and local requirements.
in Tennessee, and Hanford in Alternative 2: Disposal in a Geologic • Irretrievable and irreversible
Washington. Identification of these sites Repository at WIPP—under this commitment of resources.
for potential analysis is based on alternative, DOE would dispose of • Cumulative impacts from past,
mission compatibility (these DOE sites GTCC LLW and GTCC-like waste at present and reasonably foreseeable
currently have waste disposal WIPP; actions.
operations as part of their mission) and Alternative 3: Disposal in a Geologic This list is not intended to be
physical characteristics of the sites such Repository at Yucca Mountain—under inclusive, and we invite interested
as hydrogeology and topography. this alternative, DOE would dispose of parties to suggest other issues to be
In addition, DOE intends to evaluate GTCC LLW and GTCC-like waste at the considered, including aspects of the
a generic enhanced near surface and proposed Yucca Mountain Repository; waste inventories presented in Table 1.
intermediate depth borehole Alternative 4: Disposal at a New Summary of Public Comments on the
commercial disposal facility under both Enhanced Near-Surface Facility—under Advance Notice of Intent
arid and humid conditions in the EIS. this alternative, DOE would dispose of
In a Request for Information in the GTCC LLW or GTCC-like waste at a new In 2005, DOE issued an ANOI, 70 Fed.
FedBizOpps on July 1, 2005, DOE enhanced near-surface facility at INL, Reg. 24775 (May 11, 2005), inviting the
solicited technical capability statements LANL, WIPP vicinity, NTS, SRS, ORR, public to provide preliminary comments
from commercial vendors that may be and Hanford, or a commercial facility on the potential scope of the EIS. DOE
interested in constructing and operating should such a facility be identified in received comments on the ANOI from:
a GTCC waste disposal facility. the future; the states of Nevada, Oregon and
Although several commercial vendors Alternative 5: Disposal at a New Washington; the Sacramento Municipal
expressed an interest, no vendors have Intermediate Depth Borehole Facility— Utility District; the New England
provided specific information on under this alternative, DOE would Coalition; the Sierra Club; the Nuclear
disposal locations and methods for dispose of GTCC LLW or GTCC-like Energy Institute; and the Savannah
analysis in the EIS. Including a generic waste at a new intermediate depth River Site Citizens Advisory Board. The
commercial facility in the EIS would borehole facility at INL, LANL, WIPP major scoping issues identified in the
allow DOE to make a programmatic vicinity, NTS, SRS, ORR and Hanford, comments are summarized below, along
determination regarding disposal of or a commercial facility should such a with DOE’s response.
GTCC LLW and GTCC-like waste in facility be identified in the future. • EIS General Scope: Commenters
such a facility. Should one or more questioned the need for the EIS,
commercial facilities be identified at a Identification of Environmental Issues assuming that GTCC LLW would be
later time, DOE would conduct further DOE proposes to evaluate disposal disposed of in the proposed Yucca
NEPA review, as appropriate. technologies at various DOE and generic Mountain repository for spent nuclear
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
DOE intends to evaluate each of the commercial locations for the fuel and high-level waste. Some
GTCC waste types (i.e., sealed sources, construction, operation, and closure of a commenters favored the inclusion of
activated metals, and other waste) facility or facilities for the disposal of DOE’s GTCC-like waste along with
individually and in combination for GTCC LLW and GTCC-like waste. DOE GTCC LLW generated from NRC-
each of the disposal alternatives, taking proposes to address the issues listed licensed activities in the EIS, while
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5. Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Notices 40139
other commenters recommended inventory data that may become Brookside Avenue, North Augusta,
restricting the scope of the EIS to GTCC available during preparation of the EIS. South Carolina, Thursday, August 23, 6
LLW analyzed in the Yucca Mountain • Resource Areas Proposed for p.m.–9 p.m.
EIS (DOE/EIS–0250, February 2002) or Analysis: Commenters suggested a • Troutdale, Oregon: Comfort Inn &
to waste generated from NRC-licensed number of subjects that DOE should Suites-Columbia Gorge West, 477 NW
activities. Still other commenters include in the EIS impact analyses. Phoenix Drive, Troutdale, Oregon,
questioned the basis for projecting the Response: DOE’s list of subjects Monday, August 27, 2007, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
GTCC LLW volume to 2035 and 2055. proposed for evaluation in the EIS • Pasco, Washington: Red Lion Hotel,
Response: GTCC waste is LLW, not under ‘‘Identification of Environmental Gold Room, 2525 N 20th Avenue, Pasco,
high-level waste or spent nuclear fuel; Issues’’ in this NOI responds to those Washington, Tuesday, August 28, 2007,
nevertheless, DOE has identified the comments. 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
proposed Yucca Mountain repository as • Concentration Averaging: • Idaho Falls, Idaho: Red Lion Hotel
one of the sites to be analyzed in the EIS Commenters raised questions about On The Falls, Yellowstone/Teton
for GTCC LLW as a disposal alternative, DOE’s potential use of ‘‘concentration Rooms, 475 River Parkway, Idaho Falls,
as well as other appropriate sites, in averaging’’ in which, for example, the Idaho, Thursday, August 30, 2007, 6
accordance with 10 CFR Part 61. Under activity of one component is averaged p.m.–9 p.m.
the LLRWPAA, DOE is responsible for over the volume or mass of waste to • Las Vegas, Nevada: Atomic Testing
disposing of this waste, and because identify applicable waste classification Museum, 755 E. Flamingo Road (Just
such disposal would be a major federal standards. East of Paradise Road), Las Vegas,
action, DOE is required by the Council Response: For the purposes of Nevada, Tuesday, September 4, 2007, 6
on Environmental Quality regulations analysis in the EIS, DOE would use p.m.–9 p.m.
that implement NEPA to complete an guidance in the Branch Technical • Washington DC: Hotel Washington,
EIS analyzing the range of reasonable Position on Concentration Averaging Washington Room, 15th and
alternatives for this action. The Energy and Encapsulation, U.S. Nuclear Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.,
Policy Act of 2005 also requires DOE to Regulatory Commission, Washington Washington, DC, Monday, September
take actions related to the preparation of DC, January 1995, to determine when 10, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
an EIS for GTCC LLW. DOE plans to LLW is greater than Class C as defined During the first hour of each scoping
include its GTCC-like waste that may at according to 10 CFR Part 61. meeting, DOE officials will be available
have no path to disposal, as well as • Regulatory Requirements: A for informal discussions with attendees.
waste generated from NRC or Agreement number of commenters discussed the During the formal part of the meeting,
State licensed activities, and to identify need to address compliance with the public will have the opportunity to
where economies of scale may be regulatory and other legal requirements provide comments orally or in writing.
achieved in using the same disposal in the EIS. The presiding officer will establish
methods and locations. Response: The EIS would describe procedures to ensure that everyone who
applicable regulatory and other legal wishes to speak has a chance to do so.
DOE has identified the estimated
requirements and consider the extent to Both oral and written comments will be
GTCC LLW and GTCC-like waste
which the alternatives analyzed meet considered and given equal weight.
volumes based on the best available
those requirements. Issued in Washington, DC on July 17, 2007.
data. DOE has changed the projections
to 2035 and 2062 to include the 20-year Public Scoping James A. Rispoli,
license renewal that commercial Interested parties are invited to Assistant Secretary for Environmental
reactors may receive plus an additional participate in the public scoping process Management.
6-year ‘‘cooling period’’ before to provide their comments on the [FR Doc. E7–14139 Filed 7–20–07; 8:45 am]
commencing reactor decommissioning proposed disposal alternatives for BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
activities. Thus GTCC LLW and GTCC- analysis in the EIS and the
like waste estimates are projected environmental issues to be analyzed.
through 2035, except for GTCC LLW The scoping process is intended to DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
activated metals estimates, which are involve all interested agencies (federal,
projected through 2062, based on Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste
state, county, and local), public interest Management; Safe Routine
anticipated nuclear reactor groups, Native American tribes,
decommissioning schedules. Transportation and Emergency
businesses, and members of the public. Response Training; Technical
• Waste Disposal Alternatives: Public scoping meetings will be held at
Commenters stated that DOE should Assistance and Funding
the following locations and times:
identify its criteria for including sites • Carlsbad, New Mexico: Pecos River AGENCY: Department of Energy.
considered in the EIS as potential Village Conference Center, Carousel ACTION: Notice of revised proposed
disposal locations and criteria for House, 711 Muscatel Avenue, Carlsbad, policy and request for comments.
selecting the technologies and disposal New Mexico, Monday, August 13, 2007,
methods to be evaluated. 6 p.m.–9 p.m. SUMMARY: The Department of Energy
Response: DOE has identified its basis • Los Alamos, New Mexico: Hilltop (DOE) is publishing this notice of
for the disposal locations and disposal House Best Western, La Vista Room, 400 revised proposed policy to set forth its
methods proposed for analysis in the Trinity Drive, Los Alamos, New Mexico, revised plans for implementing Section
EIS under ‘‘Alternatives Proposed for Tuesday, August 14, 2007, 6 p.m.–9 180(c) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act
Evaluation’’ in this Notice. p.m. of 1982 (the NWPA). Under Section
• Waste Inventories: Commenters • Oak Ridge, Tennessee: DOE Oak 180(c) of the NWPA, DOE shall provide
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
stated that the inventory data provided Ridge Information Center, 475 Oak technical and financial assistance for
in the ANOI should be updated. Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, training of local public safety officials to
Response: DOE has updated the Wednesday, August 22, 6 p.m.—9 p.m. States and Indian Tribes through whose
inventory data as shown in Table 1. • North Augusta, South Carolina: jurisdictions the DOE plans to transport
DOE will incorporate other appropriate North Augusta Community Center, 495 spent nuclear fuel or high-level
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